Disney Fined $69,000 by OSHA for Safety Violations

OSHA has cited and fined Walt Disney World for safety violations following the March death of a worker on the Animal Kingdom ride Primeval Whirl.

Russell Roscoe, a maintenance employee, was killed by one of the ride's vehicles in March as he was working on the roller coaster. The Primeval Whirl, originally closed in January for refurbishment, remained closed after the accident.

Disney received a "serious" citation from OSHA because: "the employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees." In addition, Disney also was issued a "repeat" citation because there were no guardrails on the Primeval Whirl when Roscoe was working. In the past, Disney had faced similar citation situations in regards to guardrails with the Star Tours attraction and the monorail. Disney was also fined a total of $69,000 from OSHA.

There are rumors about that Disney plans to reopen the Primeval Whirl this weekend after completing safety updates to the ride.